ISL 2023-24: Hyderabad FC vs East Bengal: Preview, Predicted lineup, injury news, H2H, telecast details

Hyderabad FC might be playing youngsters in the ISL currently, but the team can be a tough nut to crack!

Desperate for their first win, Hyderabad FC, return home to the Gachibowli Stadium on February 17th, facing a East Bengal side yearning for a similar turnaround. While the Nizams find themselves surprisingly winless and hungry to get their campaign on track, the Red and Gold Brigade on the other hand, haven’t tasted ISL victory since early December. This encounter promises a clash of contrasting fortunes, where home advantage and resurgent spirits collide in a battle for crucial points. 

Last meeting between the sides in the Super Cup saw seasoned East Bengal edge out a young Hyderabad 3-2. Though the score favoured experience, Hyderabad’s youngsters displayed remarkable grit, scoring twice and refusing to be bent.

The Stakes 

Hyderabad FC 

Despite a season ravaged by off-field turmoil and a depleted squad boasting only one foreign player, the fighting spirit of Hyderabad FC burns bright. The youngsters approach this match with a unique advantage – freedom. Unburdened by expectations, they have the license to express themselves freely.

This match could be the opportunity for the lads to showcase their talent, silence doubters, and inject passion back into the Nizams’ season. A loss at this stage might not alter the course of their season, but a draw, let alone a victory, would be a monumental boost. It wouldn’t just be a point gained, it would be a statement of resilience.

East Bengal FC 

East Bengal march into this game with a singular mission – topple winless Hyderabad FC and finally break their ISL winless streak. Buoyed by their Super Cup triumph and Carles Cuadrat’s tactical reinvigoration, East Bengal know a victory against the struggling Nizams is more than just three points. It’s a potential confidence booster and a launchpad into the top-six race they desperately desire.

The Red and Gold Brigade can’t afford another slip-up. Two consecutive losses have already cast a shadow over their playoff aspirations, and a defeat in Hyderabad could push them further down the table. East Bengal, brimming with renewed hope, need a win to validate their resurgence.

Injury & team news

Hyderabad FC will see the return of their only foreigner and captain Joao Victor in the squad as he has recovered. However, forward Aaren DSilva has been ruled out due to a knee injury.

East Bengal skipper Cleiton Silva will return to the squad after serving a one-match suspension. Harmanjot Khabra and Saul Crespo are ruled out of this match as they are recovering from their injuries. Meanwhile, Spaniard Jose Pardo has been ruled out for the entirety of this ISL season.

Naorem Mahesh Singh and Lalchungnunga will also be missing this game due to the suspensions (four yellow cards).

Head-to-Head

Total Matches played – 9 

Hyderabad FC wins – 4

East Bengal FC wins – 2 

Draws – 3 

Predicted Lineup

Hyderabad FC (4-2-3-1) 

Gurmeet Singh (GK), Sajad Parray, Alex Saji, Mohammed Rafi, Mark Zothanpuia, Lalchhanhima Sailo, Joao Victor, Abdul Rabeeh, Makhan Chothe, Ramhlunchhunga, Joseph Sunny

East Bengal FC (4-4-2) 

Prabhsukhan Gill (GK), Mohammad Rakip, Gursimrat Gill, Hijazi Maher, Mandar Rao Dessai, PV Vishnu, Souvik Chakrabarti, Victor Vazquez, Sayan Banerjee, Felicio Brown Forbes, Cleiton Silva 

Players to watch 

Ramhlunchhunga (Hyderabad FC) 

Emerging as a beacon of promise in Hyderabad FC’s young squad, Ramhlunchhunga has terrorized opposition defences with his electrifying presence. In just eight matches, he has unleashed 10 shots, seven of which found their target, showcasing his accuracy and attacking intent. His creative spark is undeniable, having conjured up three chances for his teammates, while his defensive awareness is evident in his four interceptions.

Flanked by the able support of Sailo, Rabeeh, and Chothe, Ramhlunchhunga forms a potent attacking unit that thrives on chaos. His unpredictable runs and pinpoint deliveries are a constant threat, leaving defenders scrambling to contain him. As Hyderabad FC seek their first win, Ramhlunchhunga’s ability could prove pivotal in unlocking their attacking potential. 

Cleiton Silva (East Bengal FC)

In the ongoing ISL season, Cleiton Silva has undeniably emerged as a standout performer for East Bengal. With an impressive record six goals, and one assist in 12 matches, the skipper has showcased his prowess on the field. His accurate shots, boasting a remarkable 12 on-target out of 21 attempts, coupled with 19 chances created, underscore his significance as both a scorer and a playmaker for the team. As the leader guiding the squad, Cleiton’s contributions have been pivotal in East Bengal’s campaign, making him a key figure to watch in their upcoming matches.

Did you know?

• For the first-time ever, Cleiton Silva missed a game in East Bengal colours due to suspension.
• Hyderabad FC are yet to taste victory this season.
• East Bengal last won an ISL game on 4 December, beating NorthEast United 5-0 on home turf.

Telecast

The match between Hyderabad FC and East Bengal kicks off at 7:30 PM IST, at the Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad. Live telecast of the fixture will be available on Sports18 Network (Sports18 1/VH1 Channel). Live streaming of the game will be available on the JioCinema app. Viewers from abroad can use OneFootball to stream the game.

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